Temporary infrastructure provider Wicked has been celebrating after playing a major role in delivering the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

The largest sporting event in the UAE’s history, needed an equally large temporary infrastructure build. The Special Olympics welcomed over 7,500 athletes and 3,000 coaches from over 190 nations – and also attracted over 500,000 spectators.

As turnkey supplier, Wicked provided 35,000 square meters of temporary structures across 11 sites divided into five zones including four in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai. They delivered 15 different types of structures in just under four weeks.

“Initially we were a little sceptical about delivering such a huge project in a short amount of time,” Grant van Lelyveld, Wicked’s Director of Operations, told Sport Industry Insider. “We had to gather resources from other business units, whether kit or freelancers and also a set up a secondary depot down in Abu Dhabi.

“The scope for the Special Olympics was by far the biggest we have had to manage here in the UAE – a total of 35000 sqm across 11 sites in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Now looking back, not only it’s a huge honor to be part of such a significant movement but we pride ourselves in delivering such international projects.”

Julie Doucet, General Manager of Wicked, added: “When we heard about the opportunity we knew we had to do it. The UAE has been our home for more than 10 years and to be the official supplier for the Special Olympics was a fantastic achievement for all of us.

“Nothing would have been possible without the hard work of our team. They did an excellent job and we look forward to many more projects of this scale.”

Wicked assembled infrastructure at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), Zayed Sport City, Al Forsan Equestrian Centre, Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club and Dubai Police Stadium during the Special Olympics.

“Wicked delivered an excellent job as the temporary structure specialists for the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in the UAE,” Sanjay Sahota, Director of Operations, Local Olympics Committee (LOC) said. “The company has a proven track record of providing world-class functional yet attractive structures that are able to withstand various weather conditions and are extremely secure.”